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Matt thinks for a moment before signing. We were friends before you came into his life. Even though he’s a pussy now, he knows the sport better than anyone else.
Palmer is quick to respond. Are you suggesting I took him away from something?
Matt shakes his head. No. He could still be out there doing tricks.
I hit Matt’s arm to gain his attention. I told you, I’m happy. Leave it.
“Could you translate?” Theresa asks me. “I feel like the odd man out.”
“I don’t know either.” Adley piles another spoonful in her mouth. She’s learned a lot of sign language quickly, but when the hands move too fast, she can’t follow.
“Then I guess we can have our own conversation.” Theresa elbows Adley and laughs.
Palmer stares at Theresa for a beat and inhales a sharp breath. I’m sure she’s annoyed about what Theresa said, having no idea what it was like for Palmer growing up and even now with her implants. Theresa’s comment was insensitive.
Palmer’s gaze lands on me, and she nods toward Theresa. Tell her I’m sorry.
I shake my head.
Tell her.
No, it won’t do any good. Just carry on.
Matt’s spoon drops into his bowl, and he signs. Do you two fight like you’re a couple?
We both turn to him. No, we sign in unison.
Matt laughs.
“What’s so funny?” Theresa looks between us all.
“Just these two. They must give you comic relief.”
“Yeah, all the time.” Her tone is sarcastic, and the table grows quiet for a beat.
Palmer quickly finishes her cake and ice cream, urging Adley to finish hers. Come on, it’s almost bedtime.
Matt touches Palmer’s arm, and she turns in his direction, a smile already on her face. You’re leaving so soon?
She needs to go to bed.
“I’m not tired,” Adley says.
“You will be when your head hits the pillow,” I tell her.
“No, I won’t.”
“Yes, you will,” I say.
Adley scoops up a small amount of ice cream, taking her time eating it.
This is like dinner and a show.
Palmer laughs at Matt’s quip and signs back to him. You should see the two of them fight over the television.
I lift my hands to join the conversation. Maybe if you sided with me more often, she wouldn’t think she could fight back with me. I am her father.
Matt’s jaw drops. Whoa, you sounded like my dad there. Scary.
